Preparing for "Accidents"

RC travels in the airplane's cabin with us whenever we fly. He has flown over much of Latin America, Europe, and Asia and he's only had a few "accidents".

RC's first plane trip took us 15 hours to travel from our home to a hotel thousands of miles away. RC can "hold it" for a long time, but that's too long even for him. We figure he's got a 10-11 hour bladder.

We had a long layover in one airport and we tried setting up a disposable litter box in the quietest hallway we could find. Unfortunately, just when RC relaxed enough to try using the box, someone came rushing around the corner. RC wouldn't consider trying again.

After we boarded our 2nd leg of the journey, I thought I'd try setting up his disposable litter box in the airplane's tiny restroom. I was too late. Nature had solved one problem ... but I had one soaked and miserable cat on my hands.

For a long time, we used a 1/2" open cell foam pad that had a tight weaved cloth cover on one side. The cloth side faced away from RC and the open foam absorbed most of the urine. I placed the foam pad inside a small custom pillow case so the foam wouldn't be too hot against RC's body. The drawback to this solution was that it didn't always absorb all the urine and it usually left RC soaked and miserable.

We tried using disposable diapers, opened flat on top of the foam pad, in hopes it would whisk away the urine in the event RC had another accident. Unfortunately, this didn't work too well, because when RC turned around inside his case, the diapers just bunched up next to one end. If RC had wet the case, I doubt the diapers would have been under him to help.

We did fleetingly discuss putting the diaper on RC like you do a baby, but the image had us rolling on the floor. I doubt we'd be too successful, especially because RC would be unlikely to co-operate with this indignity. :)

Now, we use liners (70cm x 45cm) for incontinent adults. These are not 'adult diapers', but instead flat pads used to lay on a mattress in case an adult has an 'accident' in the night. The pads are large enough that we can tuck one large section under the hard bottom of the case. Add a few clips found in an office supply store and the liner stays in place. We actually use 2 liners so if we can't get to a restroom to fully clean up after an accident, we can remove the soiled liner and still have another ready to use.

In the side pocket of RC's traveling case, I keep a 50 ml. bottle of liquid anti-bacterial soap (to help break down the urine) and a handi-wipe. A quick trip to the restroom lets me dispose of the soiled liner and clean the travel case -- although the liner usually absorbs all the urine, RC has a habit of positioning so he catches the outer mesh window. You might also want to carry baking soda to cut the odor.

The restrooms on airplanes are small and by the time I get RC smelling clean and fresh, I can't say the same for myself. Now I carry a change of clothes in our carry on suitcase so I can freshen up after getting RC settled.

RC's 2nd "accident" could have been avoided had I paid more attention during the landing. We came into a major airport one time and the landing was rougher than usual. RC got upset and I had to clean him up as soon as we arrived in the airport. Now, I always keep my seat belt fastened and RC's case safely tucked under the seat in front of me. As we start our decent, I slip my hand into the top of his carrier. You must be very careful because as soon as there is any opening, it's easy for RC to force the zipper open further. If he seems anxious to get out -- very rare -- then, I just keep my hand near the outside of the window and talk soothingly to him. We've gone through several rough landings and he hasn't had any challenges.

The only disadvantages to leaning over my lap as the plane lands are that the stewardess usually thinks I'm sick, and I don't get to watch take off and landings ... one of my favorite parts of flying ... but it's a small price to pay to reassure our furry friend.

I probably could have avoided the 3rd mishap, too. Although RC is an experienced traveler, I must always remember that traveling is stressful for him. Whenever I try to rush and forget to reassure him, I pay the price. After a very long flight to Asia, I was tired and anxious to get off the plane. I simply snatched up RC's case and plunked it down on the seat as we waited for the airplane doors to open. Had I taken time to put RC's case on my shoulder and talk to him to let him know all was well, I could probably have saved myself hours of scrubbing. The other lesson I learned from this trip was that if you skimp on the clean up job when you're in the tropics, you'll be scrubbing for a week or more to really get the carrier smelling fresh again.

Learn how to give your furry one a bath without too much water.